DoLS need to be understood in the wider context of the Mental Capacity Act

"We welcome the report and CQC's ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and the Mental Capacity Act more widely. DoLS provide important protection for a very vulnerable group of people in care homes and hospitals but as the report rightly emphasises, DoLS need to be understood in the wider context of the Mental Capacity Act (that they are part of) which supports and empowers people to make their own decisions wherever possible as well as providing safeguards when they lack the capacity to do so.

We particularly welcome David Behan's emphasis on partnerships â collaboration involving as many organisations as possible who work with people affected by DoLS and the Mental Capacity Act is essential in order that these important legal protections can be properly understood and implemented for the benefit of those people they are intended for."